BOOK BRIEF

The Hidden Staircase

Carolyn Keene
Guide cover placeholder

The Hidden Staircase

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Carolyn Keene

The Hidden Staircase

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

182

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

1930s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene follows Nancy Drew as she investigates strange happenings in a friend's old mansion. The mystery deepens when Nancy uncovers secrets within the house, leading her on a thrilling adventure. Using her keen observation and problem-solving skills, Nancy works to reveal the truth behind the eerie occurrences.

Reviews & Readership

4.3

45,943 ratings

70%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene is widely praised for its engaging mystery and strong, resourceful protagonist, Nancy Drew. Readers appreciated the fast-paced plot and clever clues, although some felt the character development was lacking. The writing style is accessible, appealing particularly to young readers, making it a timeless classic in juvenile fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Hidden Staircase?

Fans of mystery and detective genres, particularly young readers aged 8-12, will relish The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene. Similar to those captivated by the puzzle-solving in Encyclopedia Brown and the adventurous spirit in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, this book offers timeless intrigue and suspense.

4.3

45,943 ratings

70%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Hidden Staircase was published in 1930, the same year as the first book in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series, The Secret of the Old Clock.

Author Carolyn Keene is a pseudonym for a series of writers, with Mildred Wirt Benson credited with writing The Hidden Staircase.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The 1959 revision of The Hidden Staircase included significant changes to modernize the story and align it with evolving societal standards.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

182

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

1930s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!